Doki Doki Literature Club: A Cautious Recommendation

I really want to write about Doki Doki Literature Club — it had quite an effect on me and I want to recommend it to others — but I just don’t know how to go about this.

Let’s start with the basics. What is Doki Doki Literature Club? It’s a visual novel/dating sim in which you play as a high school boy who needs to join an after-school club and winds up in the school’s Literature Club, along with four cute single girls. But I can’t say any more than that. Here’s the trailer if you want a little more:

Doki Doki Literature Club is one of those things whose beauty lies in the unfolding. The less you know going in, the better. So don’t look anything up. Step on in without a map.

But do be cautious: The game contains multiple content warnings for a reason. The developers are not messing around when they say the game is not for children and contains disturbing content. There is content that is horrific on a level that got past the hard shell of cynicism and expectation that I bring to gaming. If you don’t want things messing with your head, you should skip this one. Also, be particularly careful if you have depression or anxiety. This game creates a bad headspace that can take some time to recover from.

But, if you’re feeling strong and willing, definitely give Doki Doki a go. It’s free on Steam and takes about 3 hours. Go play, then come back and let me know what you thought.